Still-life oil painting of lemons and blue plums by Julian Merrow-Smith

2026 · Bédoin, Provence

Still-life painting
in Provence

Five immersive days with Julian Merrow-Smith—daily demonstrations, individual guidance, exceptional materials and a small group of six painters.

01

A week of painting,
food & friendship

These are small, concentrated weeks focused on helping each painter move their work forward. We paint from life in the studio, with a demonstration from Julian each day, plenty of individual guidance and time to put new ideas into practice.

The atmosphere is serious about painting but generous and informal: a supportive group, excellent coffee and long lunches prepared at home in Provence.

02

Workshop dates
& practical details

September

20–26

2026 · FullEUR 1800 per painter

November

8–14

2026EUR 1800 per painter

Workshops run Monday to Friday. Arrival is on Sunday afternoon or evening, with departure on Saturday morning.

Five-day workshop€1,800approximately $2,050 / £1,550
Group sizeSix paintersfor generous individual attention

The fee includes

  • Transfers to and from Avignon TGV
  • Daily transport between Bédoin and the studio
  • All painting equipment and materials
  • Generous lunches prepared by Julian

Self-catering accommodation is available in the village at approximately €400 per person for six nights. Non-painting partners are very welcome to share the accommodation and enjoy the area during the day.

03

Painting from life,
one day at a time

Dark Postcard from Provence still-life brushes prepared for workshop participants

“You put me totally at ease and I have learnt a huge amount from you. We all said how much we benefitted from watching your demos each day.”

Liz · March 2025

04

More than
a workshop

The paintings accumulate quickly: small studies, experiments and discoveries made through the week. Sharing the studio lets everyone learn from the demonstrations, from Julian’s feedback and from one another.

A table covered with the still-life paintings completed during a workshop week
The kitchen table and some of the week’s work.

05

Everything ready
for you to paint

Professional Old Holland, Michael Harding and Winsor & Newton oil colours

Materials & equipment

Everything is provided: professional oil colours from Old Holland, Michael Harding and Winsor & Newton, Léonard brushes, painting supports and high-colour-rendering LED panel lights.

We can accommodate painters who prefer to stand or work left-handed—just let us know in advance.

A colourful outdoor lunch prepared for workshop participants

Lunch is part of the day

A generous lunch is prepared each day, using seasonal produce and the flavours of Provence. Vegetarian diets and other requirements can be catered for with advance notice.

Sets of Postcard from Provence hog-bristle brushes

Accommodation & travel

Transfers from Avignon TGV and daily travel to the studio are included. A popular self-catering house is available in nearby Bédoin, within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants.

06

In their
own words

“Your guidance on painting the full scale of light to dark was more helpful than my decades-long training. I am so excited to continue practising and creating again!”

Yini · Spring 2024

“My experience in Bédoin and Julian’s class was so much more than I even dreamed it would be. The studio provided great demonstrations and a delightful community.”

Cindy · Spring 2023

“My time in Provence was like the sweetest dream. I can’t remember waking with a smile on my face so many days in a row—ever!”

Stella · Spring 2023

2026

Come and paint
in Provence

Choose a workshop week and tell us a little about your painting experience. We’ll reply personally with availability and the next steps.